We’ll try to reinstate Boxing Day Test: CSA

Cricket South Africa said they will try to reinstate the traditional Boxing Day Test from 2013, after it was scrapped in favour of a T20 international this year.

Jacques Faul, CSA’s acting Chief Executive Officer, said, “We’ve clearly noted the concerns and it was heart-warming to see such passion for Test cricket being expressed. It shows that there is still a great following for Test cricket and that’s something we must not just take for granted.”

CSA cited poor crowd response as well as South Africa’s poor record in Boxing Day Tests over the past few years as the reasons for the decision. South Africa have lost their last four Boxing Day Tests to Australia, England, India and Sri Lanka respectively. “We made a mistake in not explaining the reasons for the move better,” said Faul.

The board had announced a T20I against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth this year on Boxing Day.

Although he failed to give an exact confirmation, Faul said even the broadcasters had expressed displeasure over the move, and it would be a one-off. “We are going to have to take Test cricket more seriously,” said Faul. “I can see the Boxing Day Test definitely being played again soon.”

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